Strawberry Cheesecake Jars Delight

$- 1 cup crushed graham crackers - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted - 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature - ½ cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup freshly whipped cream (or store-bought whipped topping) - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for macerating strawberries) - Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional) You can swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a lighter option. This change will still keep the creamy texture while cutting down on calories. For the whipped cream, use a dairy-free option if needed. Fresh strawberries are best, but you can use frozen ones if you thaw and drain them first. If you want a sweeter crust, add a bit of sugar to the graham cracker mix. Each jar contains about: - Calories: 320 - Total Fat: 22g - Saturated Fat: 12g - Cholesterol: 60mg - Sodium: 180mg - Total Carbohydrates: 30g - Dietary Fiber: 1g - Sugars: 14g - Protein: 4g This information can help you plan for dietary needs or just satisfy your curiosity! Each jar packs a delicious punch, perfect for a sweet treat without going overboard on calories. {{ingredient_image_2}} To make the strawberry layer, take two cups of fresh strawberries. Hull and slice them thin. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with two tablespoons of granulated sugar. Toss gently to coat each slice in sugar. Let this sit at room temperature for ten to fifteen minutes. This step helps the strawberries release their juices and creates a yummy syrup. For the graham cracker base, grab one cup of crushed graham crackers. Mix them in a medium bowl with a quarter cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir well until every crumb is coated with butter. This will be the tasty crust for your jars. In a large mixing bowl, add eight ounces of softened cream cheese. Use an electric mixer to beat it until smooth and creamy. Gradually add half a cup of powdered sugar and one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix until combined. Then, fold in one cup of freshly whipped cream. This makes your cheesecake light and fluffy. Start layering your jars by adding about two tablespoons of the graham cracker crust at the bottom. Next, add a layer of the cheesecake mixture over the crust. Follow this with a layer of the sweet strawberries and some syrup from the bowl. Repeat these layers until the jar is full. Finish with a bright layer of strawberries on top for a lovely look. Cover each jar with a lid or plastic wrap. Place them in the refrigerator for at least two hours. For the best taste and texture, chill them overnight. This time helps the flavors blend and firms up the cheesecake. When it's time to serve, take the jars out of the fridge. For a pretty finish, add a sprig of fresh mint on top of the strawberries. This adds a nice pop of color and a hint of freshness. Enjoy your delightful strawberry cheesecake jars! To make a smooth cheesecake mixture, start with softened cream cheese. Beat it well until it’s creamy. Add powdered sugar slowly to avoid lumps. Mix in pure vanilla extract for flavor. When you fold in the whipped cream, do it gently. This keeps your mixture light and fluffy. A great texture makes your jars delicious. To keep the crust from getting soggy, let the graham cracker mixture cool before layering. Use just enough butter to hold the crumbs together. Too much can make it wet. Layer the crust first, then follow with the cheesecake. This barrier helps protect the crust during chilling. When you layer your jars, start with two tablespoons of crust. Add the cheesecake mix next, then the strawberries. Repeat until the jar is full. Make sure to finish with strawberries for a pop of color. Use clear jars to show off your layers. A sprig of mint on top adds a nice touch! Pro Tips Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor and texture, always opt for ripe, fresh strawberries. They will enhance the overall taste of your cheesecake jars. Chill Longer for Better Flavor: While 2 hours is the minimum chill time, refrigerating overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more delicious dessert. Customize the Layers: Feel free to get creative with your layers! Add a layer of crushed nuts or chocolate shavings for added texture and flavor contrast. Presentation Matters: Use clear jars to showcase the beautiful layers of your dessert. A simple garnish of mint leaves adds a fresh touch and enhances visual appeal. {{image_4}} You can switch up the fruit in your jars. Try blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Each fruit gives a unique taste. You can also use flavored extracts like almond or coconut. These flavors add a fun twist to the classic recipe. The crust doesn't have to be just graham crackers. Consider using crushed Oreos for a chocolatey base. You can also use crushed pretzels for a salty crunch. If you want a gluten-free option, use almond flour or gluten-free cookies. Each choice makes your dessert special and fun. You can choose to make a no-bake cheesecake or a baked version. No-bake is easy and quick. Just mix and chill! On the other hand, a baked cheesecake has a firmer texture. It requires more time but can be very rewarding. Both options taste great in jars! To store your strawberry cheesecake jars, cover them tightly. You can use lids or plastic wrap. This keeps the cheesecake fresh and prevents any odors from the fridge from seeping in. Make sure to store the jars in the main part of your fridge, not the door. The main area stays colder and helps maintain the creamy texture. The jars will last for about three to four days in the fridge. After that, the strawberries may lose their freshness. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. However, freezing may change the texture of the strawberries. To freeze, wrap each jar in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. These can last for up to two months in the freezer. When you are ready to serve, remove the jars from the fridge. If you froze them, let them thaw overnight in the fridge. After thawing, check the texture. If the cheesecake seems too soft, you can refrigerate it for a bit longer. Before serving, add fresh mint for a nice touch. This will perk up the flavor and make your jars look beautiful! Yes, you can make these jars ahead of time. I often prepare them a day before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set. Just remember to cover them well to keep them fresh. Refrigerate the jars for at least 2 hours. However, chilling them overnight works best. This gives the cheesecake time to firm up and blend with the strawberry layer. You can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them first and drain extra juice. Frozen berries can be a great option when fresh ones are not in season. For a healthier option, try Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Both provide a creamy texture with less fat. Blending them with a bit of honey can add sweetness too. You learned how to make delicious strawberry cheesecake jars. I shared key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You can easily mix things up with flavor variations or simple crust swaps. Remember, proper storage keeps your treats fresh. You can make these jars in advance for an easy dessert. Enjoy trying this fun recipe, and impress your friends and family with your skills!$

Strawberry Cheesecake Jars Delight

A delightful layered dessert featuring creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and a crunchy graham cracker crust, served in jars.

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Prep Time 30

Total Time 2 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup crushed graham crackers
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup freshly whipped cream (or store-bought whipped topping)
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for macerating strawberries)
to taste fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Strawberry Layer: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Gently toss the strawberries to coat them evenly in sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. This process, known as macerating, will allow the strawberries to release their natural juices and create a delightful syrup.
Make the Graham Cracker Base: In a separate medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers with the melted unsalted butter. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until the graham cracker crumbs are evenly coated with butter. This mixture will serve as the delicious crust for your cheesecake jars.
Create the Cheesecake Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Gradually add the powdered sugar and pure vanilla extract, blending until fully incorporated. Carefully fold in the freshly whipped cream until the mixture is light, airy, and fluffy.
Assemble the Jars: Begin layering your jars by adding approximately 2 tablespoons of the graham cracker crust as the base. Next, spoon in a layer of the creamy cheesecake mixture on top of the crust. Follow this with a generous layer of the macerated strawberries, including some of the sweet syrup from the bottom of the bowl. Repeat these layers until you reach the top of the jar, finishing with a vibrant layer of strawberries for a beautiful presentation.
Chill Before Serving: Cover the jars with lids or plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together while the cheesecake mixture firms up for a perfect texture.
Serve and Garnish: Once ready to serve, remove the jars from the refrigerator. For a stunning finish, adorn each jar with a sprig of fresh mint placed delicately on top of the strawberries.

Notes

Consider using clear glass jars or dessert cups to showcase the beautiful layers of your cheesecake concoction. Add a decorative spoon tied with twine to each jar for a charming touch!

Keyword cheesecake, dessert, jar, no-bake, strawberry